Football
Arne Slot makes shock Trent Alexander-Arnold revelation ahead of final Liverpool game
Arne Slot has admitted he was not entirely satisfied with Trent Alexander-Arnold’s efforts during training ahead of what could be the defender’s last match for Liverpool.
The Reds will welcome FA Cup champions Crystal Palace to Anfield on Sunday, a day that will mark the end of their season and be highlighted by Premier League trophy celebrations. But for Alexander-Arnold, it may also signal the end of his time at the club he has represented since his youth.
The England international is expected to leave Liverpool on a free transfer this summer. While nothing is official yet, widespread reports suggest that Real Madrid are poised to sign the right-back, with Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong being considered as a possible replacement.
News of Alexander-Arnold’s departure has sparked mixed reactions among fans. During the recent 2-2 draw with Arsenal, some supporters at Anfield voiced their disapproval by booing him.
Slot opted to leave Alexander-Arnold on the bench during Liverpool’s 3-2 loss to Brighton on Monday night.
When asked about the player’s involvement in Sunday’s match, the Dutch manager said he had yet to make a decision. He emphasized that the day should be one of celebration, noting that Liverpool fans had waited 35 years for a moment like this.
He recalled the emotional atmosphere during the Spurs match and expressed hope for another memorable day, one that includes Alexander-Arnold, whom he described as an important part of both this season and previous successful campaigns.
Addressing the criticism directed at the player, Slot reminded reporters that Alexander-Arnold, like all athletes, is human. However, the head coach also acknowledged concerns about the defender’s attitude in training.
He revealed that the two have had numerous conversations, including several during pre-season. Slot mentioned that he was not pleased with all of Alexander-Arnold’s efforts on the training pitch and suggested that the player could have done more.
Despite that, he said those talks helped build a unique bond, especially after experiencing success together.
Slot further told the player that although he is often praised for his attacking capabilities, his defensive abilities are frequently overlooked. Slot believes Alexander-Arnold has the tools to be a top-tier defender but needs to show more consistency in his performances.
He stressed the importance of being locked in every match, pointing out that players are judged more on the few games they struggle in than the many in which they perform well.
Although Alexander-Arnold is widely regarded as one of the world’s most dynamic offensive full-backs, his defensive positioning has often come under scrutiny.
Pundits, including Jamie Carragher, have previously criticized his form, with some suggesting that the ongoing transfer speculation may be affecting his focus on the pitch.
Football
FIFA finally sanctions Israel and sounds message for peace: Here’s why
FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has taken action against the Israel Football Association (IFA) after finding breaches of its rules relating to offensive conduct, fair play, and incidents involving discrimination and racist behavior.
As part of the ruling, the IFA has been fined CHF 150,000 (around €165,000), with conditions attached. The federation is required to roll out preventive measures, including displaying a clear anti-discrimination message at its next three home matches in FIFA competitions. The message, which promotes unity and rejects discrimination, must appear alongside the federation’s emblem, with its design, size, and placement submitted to FIFA for approval at least 15 days before each fixture.
Beyond matchday requirements, the IFA must also take longer-term action. Within 60 days, it is expected to allocate one-third of the fine toward a detailed anti-discrimination initiative. This program is set to include structural improvements, defined protocols, monitoring systems, and educational campaigns across stadiums and official platforms throughout an entire season, all subject to FIFA’s approval. The remaining portion of the fine must be settled within 30 days. FIFA has also issued a formal warning regarding future conduct, with the option for the IFA to appeal the decision.
In relation to a separate complaint raised by the Palestinian Football Association concerning teams based in disputed territories, FIFA chose not to impose any measures. The governing body pointed to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the legal status of the West Bank under international law, but emphasized its willingness to encourage dialogue and mediation between both sides.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino reiterated the organization’s stance on the role of football during periods of political tension, stressing that while the sport cannot solve global conflicts, it can still play a part in bringing people together and fostering understanding through competitions like the World Cup.
Football
New angle emerges of massive brawl in Brazil: Brutal close-range fight footage (VIDEO)
The Minas Gerais state championship final between Cruzeiro Esporte Clube and Clube Atlético Mineiro ended in chaos on Sunday, with a massive on-field brawl. Cruzeiro secured a 1-0 victory, but the match will be remembered for the violent fallout.
Reports from Brazilian media indicate that the referee issued an additional 23 red cards following the melee.
The incident that sparked the conflict occurred in the 97th minute inside Atletico’s penalty area after a collision between Christian of Cruzeiro and home goalkeeper Everson. Everson reacted aggressively, first pushing Christian and then pinning him to the ground with both knees.
Close-range footage of the altercation later surfaced online, showing the intensity of the clash and adding fuel to an already controversial derby.
This extraordinary sequence will likely result in disciplinary action from the league and raises questions about player conduct in high-stakes matches.
Football
Michael Carrick blow as ‘prominent’ target on Man Utd’s managerial shortlist is ‘keen’ on Old Trafford job
Former Brighton & Hove Albion FC boss Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly “keen” on becoming the next manager of Manchester United FC.
The 46-year-old is currently without a club after leaving Olympique de Marseille by mutual agreement last month. Both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur FC have been linked with a summer move for the Italian as they search for a permanent head coach.
According to reports from The Telegraph, De Zerbi would favour the Old Trafford role if given the choice.
His potential appointment could be a setback for interim United boss Michael Carrick, who has largely impressed since taking charge in January.
Carrick suffered his first defeat on Wednesday as United lost to Newcastle United FC, with goals from Anthony Gordon and William Osula sealing the result.
Despite that setback, several United players are believed to support Carrick being given the role permanently. Senior figures such as Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw are reportedly impressed by his tactical ideas and deep understanding of the game.
United’s hierarchy have yet to decide whether to stick with the former England international or appoint a new manager. Other names linked with the role include Julian Nagelsmann and Roberto Martínez.
De Zerbi has also been mentioned as a potential candidate at Tottenham. Spurs currently sit 16th in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone.
The club dismissed former head coach Thomas Frank last month and appointed Igor Tudor as interim manager.
Tudor has yet to register a win, but after a recent defeat to Crystal Palace FC he insisted the team is still moving in the right direction.
“Unfortunately this is the moment we pay for everything. One red card changes everything,” Tudor said.
“Maybe it will sound strange, but I believe more after this game than before. I saw something. I need to choose the right players because the boat is going in the direction that I want it to go.
“When the injured players return, I’m sure we will have a good team and the victories will come. It’s not easy to accept where we are now, but it is how it is.”
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